Yongsan celebrates past, welcomes New Year

Col. Michael. E. Masley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, gives a speech during the New Year's reception held at the R&R Bar and Grill, Jan. 16. In his speech, Masley emphasized the strongness of U.S.-ROK alliance, and thanked community members...

Col. Michael. E. Masley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, and Command Sgt. Maj Daniel. L .Willing shake hands with Yongsan community members, thanking their assistance towanrds the garrison during the New Year's reception held at the R&R Bar...

Members of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of National Defense Orchestra perform during the New Year's reception, held at the R&R Bar and Grill. Many guests enjoyed food, music, and the pleasurable mood. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jung Jihoon)

Col. Michael. E. Masley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, gives a speech during the New Year's reception held at the R&R Bar and Grill, Jan. 16. In his speech, Masley emphasized the strongness of U.S.-ROK alliance, and thanked community members...

Col. Michael. E. Masley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, and Command Sgt. Maj Daniel. L .Willing shake hands with Yongsan community members, thanking their assistance towanrds the garrison during the New Year's reception held at the R&R Bar...

Members of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of National Defense Orchestra perform during the New Year's reception, held at the R&R Bar and Grill. Many guests enjoyed food, music, and the pleasurable mood. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jung Jihoon)

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YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan hosted a New Year's Reception to look over the past year's accomplishments and thank community members and neighbors at the R&R Bar and Grill, Jan. 16.

U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan accomplished a lot of initiatives last year, including coal and rice delivery to low-income families, KATUSA-U.S Friendship week, participating in Kimchi making events for needy families, and participating in the Itaewon Global Village with the local Korean community.

Col. Michael. E. Masley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, took the opportunity to thank the garrison's good neighbors, who made the above accomplishments possible.

"Dear guests, it is a pleasure for us to get together today to renew our friendship and strengthen our alliance," Masley said. "On behalf of U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you for your presence and sincere gratitude for your great efforts in promoting democracy and prosperity here in Korea, as well as, support to U.S Forces Korea and Yongsan. I thank you for your valuable assistance, partnership and cooperation in making all these great events happen."

Attending guests included Park Keun, South Korea's former Ambassador to the United Nations; Sung Janghyun, mayor of Yongsan-gu; Han Chul Soo, president of Korea America Friendship Society; Lt. Gen. Chun Inbum, special warfare commander of ROK; Brig. Gen. Chris Gentry, and Yang Chang Kyoo, president of People to People, New Seoul Chapter.

Cpl. Lim Hongseo, public affairs specialist at the garrison Public Affairs Office, expressed his ideas concerning last year's ROK-U.S. relationship.

"Regarding the alliance between ROK and U.S, I think the past year was a great success," he said. "I am proud and pleased with the fact that the events the garrison planned and hosted have strengthened the ROK-U.S. relationship in a positive way."

Masley referred to the Chinese Zodiac during his speech, emphasizing the symbolism and presenting the direction Yongsan community should follow for the New Year.

"This year is the year of the Blue Horse," Masley said. "Let this be a year for all of us to be filled with energy, just as the horse stands for. Let this New Year be the new beginning and transformation. Thank you for your support, patriotism, and commitment to the greatest alliance in the world, the ROK-U.S Alliance."

Members of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of National Defense Orchestra and Harmonica soloist Park Jongsung, performed for the guests during the gathering.